Shaping the Future of Work: Funding Opportunities for Skills and Employment

[September 2026] Discover funding opportunities that support the future of work through skills development, employment, career advancement, workforce research, vocational education, training, and entrepreneurship. This collection features grants, research programs, awards, and initiatives helping individuals, organizations, and communities build skills, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen workforce development across different sectors and regions. Apply for AI and the Workforce Faculty Research Grant Program

Deadline: 15 December 2026

The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) invites applications from academic scholars conducting research on how artificial intelligence (AI) affects employment and the workforce over time. This Request for Proposals (RFP) supports research deliverables such as peer-reviewed publications, policy white papers, and shareable research databases…[more] Applications open for Fourth Global Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 06-October-2026

The Citi Foundation Fourth Global Innovation Challenge is offering grants to nonprofit organizations developing innovative solutions that prepare low-income youth for employment in an increasingly AI-driven global economy…[more] Applications open for Next Generation Research Grant Program

Deadline: 08-October-2026

The Next Generation Research Grant Program supports early-career investigators worldwide conducting preclinical, clinical, or translational research to better understand, diagnose, treat, and prevent brain diseases…[more]

Open Call: Research on Workforce Retention in Water Utilities

Deadline: 26-October-2026

The Water Research Foundation is inviting eligible organisations to submit research proposals examining the factors that influence employee retention in public-sector water utilities. Applicants can request up to $275,000 to study compensation, pension stability, leadership, flexibility, career development and other workforce factors, while identifying practical strategies that water utilities can use to retain skilled talent…[more] African Female Artist Mentorship Program 2026–27: Empowering Emerging Artists

Deadline: 30 October 2026

The African Female Artist Mentorship Program (AFAMP), offered by the Girl Child Art Foundation, is designed to empower young African female artists by providing mentorship and support to advance their careers in the creative industry. The program offers a unique opportunity for emerging artists to develop their skills with guidance from experienced mentors…[more] Submit Applications for Career Development Grant Program

Deadline: 31-December-2026

The Honor Frost Foundation’s Career Development Grants provide up to £2,000 to support early career researchers working in or connected to the eastern Mediterranean to attend conferences, training courses, and fieldwork relevant to their research. Priority is given to applicants from Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria, as well as researchers working in these countries or the wider eastern Mediterranean, particularly in maritime archaeology and related fields…[more] Call for Fighting Blindness Career Development Award 2026 (Ireland)

Deadline: 26-October-2026

The Fighting Blindness Career Development Award provides funding of up to €1,500 to support early-stage researchers and clinicians working in vision research. The award is designed to help emerging professionals strengthen their skills, gain international experience, present their research, and build research collaborations…[more] Grant to Improve Employment Opportunities and Competitiveness of Vocational School Graduates (Ukraine)

Deadline: 05-October-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ukraine is inviting eligible non-governmental organizations to apply for funding to develop and implement public-private partnership projects that improve employment prospects, skills, and competitiveness among vocational education graduates in the Mykolaiv region…[more] James Kane Foundation Grants for Education and Career Opportunities (UK)

Deadline: 16 October 2026

The James Kane Foundation supports innovative projects that help people across Northern Ireland develop skills, gain work experience, access employment and progress into further or higher education…[more]

RFAs: Japan Offers Japanese-Language Teacher Training Program

Deadline: 1 December 2026

The Japan Foundation offers a five-week training program for overseas Japanese-language teachers who prepare learners to live and work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker or Employment for Skill Development programs…[more]

CFAs: Japanese-Language Education Grants for Living and Working in Japan

Deadline: 1 December 2026

The Support Program for Organizations Providing Japanese-Language Education for Living and Working in Japan offers partial financial assistance to eligible organizations in six Asian countries…[more] Roma Women Inclusion and Empowerment Call for Projects

Deadline: 18 January 2027

The EEA and Norway Grants Slovakia have announced a call for projects aimed at enhancing the inclusion and empowerment of Roma women. This initiative seeks to support community-based projects that improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and housing for Roma women, while combating discrimination and antigypsyism…[more]

Request for Applications: Lifelong Learning Projects in Montenegro

Deadline: 15 December 2026

Montenegro’s Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has announced the “Learning Throughout Life” public call to fund NGO projects and programmes. It supports lifelong learning through formal and non-formal education…[more] Apply for Youth Dream Big Fund 2026-27 (Australia)

Deadline: 4 June 2027

The Youth Dream Big Fund 2026/27 is a youth-focused grant application offered through the City of Mandurah’s online grants portal (powered by SmartyGrants)…[more] Apply for Monnaboy Community Benefit Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 22-October-2026

The Monnaboy Community Benefit Fund is a local community grant programme